Observations on Colorado Rapids soccer and other things soccer related…

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Monthly Archives: May 2016

MLS Commisioner Don Garber was in town yesterday and stopped by Denver’s Altitude Sports 950 am to give an interview. Give a listen. Topics discussed, state of the league, expansion, the Rapids, etc. Interview time 12 mins, 30 secs.

The GOOD – The return of Shkelzen Gashi to the starting 11 after missing the previous game with an illness. Doyle rules!…..again, putting a header into the back of the net from a Gashi corner. Much better second half by the Rapids than the first half. The Rapids are now unbeaten in their last 7, winning 5 of those 7, also scoring 12 goals in those 7 games and relnquishing just 6 goals. Of the 3 games this last week, the Rapids grabbed 7 of a total 9 pts (2 wins, 1 draw). Still on top of the Western Conference and leading the Supporters Shield race.

The BAD – The poor defense leading up to Crew SC’s goal in the 23rd minute. Watching the last 10 minutes of the game.

The UGLY – Officiating, 15 fouls Colorado, 7 for Columbus.

Next up for the Rapids, away at Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday May 21st.

The GOOD – The Rapids are now 6-0 at home this season and on a current 6 game unbeaten streak.

Dom Dwyer, M.I.A. The battle between he and Sjoberg all night was a joy to watch.

Serna was the much needed spark off the bench.

The BAD – Sporting KC pressed high, were physical and were all over the Rapids Doyle, Jones, Badji and Solignac. Not leaving any space to get off any real targeted shots or any chance to be creative. This is where Gashi and Pappa were both greatly missed.

The UGLY – The game itself was ugly at times, but the beautiful game can’t always be beautiful every time out. If you believe that every game has to be beautiful, then clearly you’re not a fan of the sport as a whole. Take the good with the bad and learn to appreciate both. Every league on the planet has them.

Rapids currently are on top of the Western Conference with 23 pts and also lead the race for the Supporters Shield. Next up….Rapids @ Columbus Crew, Saturday May 14th

The GOOD – 5-0 at home! Rapids are alone at the top of the table with 20 pts! Created plenty of chances throughout the entire game, outshooting RSL 17-13. Rapids were aggressive on offense. Defense negated any chance of an RSL offensive threat in the first half. MacMath was huge in goal tonight, you dont get to say that often.

The BAD – Joao Plata, a difference maker whenever he enters any game for RSL. Rapids defense looked sloppy and almost Chelsea-like (parking the bus) deep in their half of the field in the second half at times.

The UGLY – The weather. 3rd straight match of lousy weather at home doesn’t bring out the fair weather fans to DSGP.

The Rapids sit all alone on top of the Western Conference and in the race for the Supporters’ Shield race with 20 pts. Record 6-2-2.

No one saw this coming, no one. But there’s still a long way to go in the season.